The Best Private Schools in Edwardsville, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Edwardsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thomas Jefferson School
Independent
Thomas Jefferson School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school serving students in grades 7-12. Located just across the river in St. Louis, the school attracts students from Edwardsville and the broader Metro East region. TJ's features a classical curriculum with emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and advanced mathematics. The small, intimate learning environment allows for personalized attention with an average class size of 10 students. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions and offers a comprehensive boarding program for students seeking a residential experience.
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The Principia School
The Principia Corporation
The Principia School is an independent Christian Science day school serving students from early childhood through grade 12. Located in St. Louis County, the school serves families from Edwardsville and the Illinois side of the metropolitan area. Principia offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, along with extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletics, performing arts, and outdoor education. The 360-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character education and global citizenship.
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Metro-East Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Metro-East Lutheran High School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive college counseling. Students benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and service opportunities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology resources, and athletic complexes. The school maintains strong community partnerships and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Edwardsville, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Edwardsville, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Edwardsville, IL, is served by several notable private institutions, though some are located just outside the city limits in the broader Metro-East area. Key options include Metro-East Lutheran High School (grades 9-12) in Edwardsville itself, which is a Christian college-prep school. Nearby, in St. Louis County, MO, you'll find The Principia School (age 3-grade 12), a Christian Science-based day and boarding school with a strong academic reputation, and Thomas Jefferson School (grades 7-12), a small, rigorous college preparatory school also in St. Louis. For younger grades, local private options include various parochial elementary schools (e.g., St. Boniface in Edwardsville) and independent preschools. Many Edwardsville families consider these St. Louis-area schools due to their proximity and specialized programs.
How does tuition for private schools in the Edwardsville, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Edwardsville area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Metro-East Lutheran High School tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000. The Principia School and Thomas Jefferson School, given their prestigious reputations and facilities, have higher tuitions, often ranging from $25,000 to $35,000+ for upper grades. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools using donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Edwardsville residents?
Private schools serving Edwardsville offer distinct programs that attract families. Metro-East Lutheran High School emphasizes a faith-based curriculum alongside strong arts and athletics, including unique offerings like their "MELHS Works" career exploration program. The Principia School is known for its exceptional outdoor education program, global travel opportunities, and a focus on character education within its Christian Science framework. Thomas Jefferson School provides a highly focused, classical liberal arts education with a deep emphasis on writing, humanities, and small seminar-style classes, preparing students intensely for elite colleges. These specialized approaches differ markedly from the comprehensive, if excellent, offerings of Edwardsville's highly-rated public District 7.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Metro-East Lutheran in Edwardsville?
For Metro-East Lutheran High School (MELHS) in Edwardsville, the enrollment process typically begins in the fall for the following academic year. Key steps include attending an open house (often held in October-November), submitting an application by a priority deadline (usually in January or February), and completing a family interview. Admissions testing or placement exams are also common. For schools like The Principia and Thomas Jefferson, which draw from a wider regional pool, deadlines can be even earlier, and processes may include standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT). It's highly recommended to start research and campus visits 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for competitive entry grades (7th and 9th).
For a family living in Edwardsville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools (District 7) and a local private option?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to Edwardsville. Edwardsville School District 7 is consistently top-rated in Illinois, offering robust AP programs, strong athletics, and fine arts at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school like MELHS, Principia, or Thomas Jefferson often centers on desire for a specific religious or value-based education, smaller class sizes, a particular pedagogical approach (e.g., classical or experiential learning), or specialized programs not available publicly. Practical considerations include the commute to schools in Missouri, the financial investment, and the social environment. Many families find the public schools excellent, while others seek the distinct mission and community of a private institution, even if it involves crossing state lines.
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